Delayed harvest effects on moisture sorption properties of soybeans

Wetting and drying characteristics were determined for three varieties of soybean seeds that were harvested on weekly intervals for 16 weeks after physiological maturity in two crop years. Absorption tests were followed immediately by desorption tests under near constant temperature and airflow conditions. The modified Page equation adequately described observed sorption behavior. Data from harvest week 6 are shown for both years of study with predicted estimates from the modified Page equation for all varieties, weeks of harvest, and years. Statistical correlations were investigated between predicted equation parameters and field observations during harvest, which included seed moisture and weekly mean temperature and relative humidity levels. Variety was found to slightly influence the k value of the modified Page equation in both years.